Ray Mancini and Duk Koo Kim's deaths are directly linked to their World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight championship bout on November 13, 1982, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The Fight Facts
- Date: November 13, 1982
- Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Title: WBA Lightweight Championship (Mancini defending)
- Duration: 14 Rounds
- Ending: Mancini knocked Kim down with a barrage of punches in the 14th round. Kim failed to beat the referee's count.
How Duk Koo Kim Died
Duk Koo Kim suffered severe brain trauma during the fight, primarily from the sustained punishment leading to the knockout in the 14th round. He lapsed into a coma after the bout.
- Medical Event: Massive subdural hematoma (bleeding on the brain).
- Time of Death: Kim died on November 18, 1982, four days after the fight, at Desert Springs Hospital in Las Vegas.
- Cause of Death: Severe brain injuries sustained in the boxing match.
How Ray Mancini Died
Ray Mancini did not die as a result of this fight. He survived the bout physically unharmed and continued his boxing career. Mancini died of natural causes decades later.
- Date of Death: Ray Mancini died on April 23, 2024, at the age of 61, due to a heart attack unrelated to the 1982 fight.
Immediate Aftermath of the Fight
The tragedy led to significant changes in boxing safety protocols:
- The standard championship distance was reduced from 15 rounds to 12 rounds.
- Increased emphasis on pre-fight medical screenings, particularly neurological exams.
- The incident intensified scrutiny on referees' roles in stopping fights to protect fighters.
